Creative GigaWorks S750!

[ddogg]

I was thinking of getting the Creative Gigaworks S750. Does anyone currently have these speakers and if so give me your rating on it. EDIT: i did some research on them and some sites have said they dont sound that good playing music so i would like to know if anyone agrees on that. Thanks

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

jimgeagea just mentioned today that he had them.

How much are these? You're getting into entry level HTIB range I think.

 

[ddogg]

im getting it for $360.

 

[Excelsior]

If you listen to mostly music, you'd be better off building a system out of components.

 

[marciorr]

I just received mine s750 yesterday, until now I just played games, but I'm speechless. The sound is amazing, playing Battlefield 2 make me duck every time a bomb explode close to me. I will try some music later and tell you what I think.

 

[alcoholbob]

The best satellite speakers in the PC market, behind only the Klipsch RCX 2.1 and 5.1 systems, although they cost $400 and $900 respectively.

The second best subwoofer behind the Klipsch Ultra sub (a variant of the reference line RW-8 with regular poly drivers instead of aluminum).

Under $400, the best PC surround set you can get.

You can always build a sound system that is better, but it's like building your own computer. There may be more performance, but less mystique out of buying something out of a mystery box. (Like chefs not eating their own cooking, even if they are top level chefs).

PC systems are compact. Component systems are bigger, more parts to worry about, more switching, but better quality. Some people prefer to be hassle free, some people prefer speed, or sonic or video quality above asthetics.

 

[darkswordsman17]

I have these and they do sound great. I even used them as HT speakers for a while (and they sounded great there too).

I'm actually trying to sell mine as I just don't have the room for them and went crazy buying a HT setup. People don't like Creative (because of the sound card stuff), and so Logitech and Klipsch get all the love in the FS/T forum.

Personally I thought they sounded great with music, especially DVD-A.

Oh, and just wanted to add a bit about the 7.1 versus 5.1. The extra two speakers don't add much dimension to the sound, but it does help a lot with filling the air with sound. So, don't expect to get nice transitional audio going through all 7, but it does help to fill your space with sound, which I liked.

 

[marciorr]

I just listened music and sound great too. I'm not a specialist, but I think it gets the job done. But games... I'm still amazed buy the effects in Battlefield 2. Go ahead...buy one for you.

 

[ddogg]

alright thanks guys....i guess ill go ahead and get them!!
EDIT: how do they compare to the Logitech Z-5500?

 

[darkswordsman17]

Originally posted by: ddogg
alright thanks guys....i guess ill go ahead and get them!!
EDIT: how do they compare to the Logitech Z-5500?

They're better.

Basically this is how things seem to work out between the Z-5500s, the Klipsch 5.1 Ultras, and the Gigaworks (based on user opinions that I've seen). The Logitech has a boomy sub, and good all around sound. The built in decoder is decent as well. The Klipsch has a great sub and good satellites. The Gigaworks have great satellites and a good sub.

 

[alcoholbob]

In order of sound quality therefore:

Satellites:
1) S750
2) Klipsch Ultra
3) Logitech Z-5500

Subwoofer
1) Klipsch Ultra
2) S750
3) Logitech Z-5500

Electronics
1) Logitech Z-5500 - Decoder Box
2) Tie - Klipsch and Cambridge both have none but external decoder boxes can be had for about $120-200. Obviously not cheap for what they provide.

 

[ddogg]

cheers...:thumbsup:

 

[Stretchman]

Niiice speakers....rock hard!

 

[argoldst]

I use them and they are really great for gaming. The extra 2 channels really help you pinpoint enemy locations.

 

[jondl]

I am considering getting these as well.. i currently have the z-5500s. Would this be a worthy upgrade?

 

[alcoholbob]

It's only worthy if you can get your money back for the Z-5500s. If not, then no, you'd paying $360 for a $1 tweeter.

 

[Eureka]

Originally posted by: argoldst
I use them and they are really great for gaming. The extra 2 channels really help you pinpoint enemy locations.

Really now do they? 7.1 is really a gimmick because there really is no source that uses all 7 speakers... two of the speakers are redundant and just simply play back the rear channel.

Norm

 

[imported_Reck]

why not get the S700s instead? There's nothing out that can take advantage of 7.1.

 

[Eureka]

They're not that different in price range though I believe... however it is more futureproof... maybe one day we will get true 7.1

Norm

 

[jondl]

Originally posted by: Astrallite
It's only worthy if you can get your money back for the Z-5500s. If not, then no, you'd paying $360 for a $1 tweeter.

I got them from dell during the $190 deal. Tax for me comes out to $205 for the z5500s. I already have a buyer waiting for them at $200. The only question is SHOULD i.. hah. Theres currently a deal for these at newegg for $350AR shipped. Would it be more reasonable to just get a real HT system for around the same price or would this be the best bang for the buck?

 

[Eureka]

Depends on your needs, and your situation. Remember, a real HT system needs a receiver... and those things ain't small.

Norm

 

[alcoholbob]

With any speaker set you need 1) amplification 2) surround processing 3) speakers

In a HT set, you need:

1) speakers
2) receiver or amps

In PC speakers, you need:

1) speakers (pre-amplified)
2) sound card (processing)

With HT speakers you have more connectivity options if you go the route of a receiver. It can be cheaper to go pure amps but you lose that connectivity.

 

[alcoholbob]

HTiBs don't tend to compare well with PC speakers until you go above the $400 price mark because they include a receiver, maybe DVD player as well.

A self-created setup say including large satellties and a receiver and a sub can be done for $400 and be better than the Gigaworks. You can't pull that off with bookshelves because they are inherently better and bigger. Say three pairs of $100/pair bookshelves, a 12" buget sub and a very good receiver will probably cost you around $600, although certainly at that point the Gigaworks won't be able to hold very well at all against this setup in terms of frequency response, dynamics, volume, dispersion, soundstage, etc, etc.

 

[Eureka]

What about 3 pairs of polk audios that go for $40 on sale... that's only 120 for speakers, find maybe 100 for a receiver... and then $150 for a sub. Is that doable?

Norm

 

[alcoholbob]

Oh it's certainly doable, assuming he's close to any Fry's Electonics (I assume that's where the sale is) and assuming they aren't sold out already. I'm not sure what models you are speaking of but I assume you are suggesting them because they are good. The only weakness is probably the receiver, you do need to spend a bit more to match dynamic range a 700W+ torroidial amp plate from the Gigaworks provides.